Mentorship Guidelines
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Be Prepared: Before each meeting with your mentor, make sure to review any notes or action items from your previous session, as well as any materials or resources your mentor may have provided. Think about what you want to discuss during the meeting and come prepared with questions or topics to explore. Be ready to engage in productive conversation.
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Be Proactive: Take initiative and be proactive in scheduling meetings and following up with your mentor. Show that you are committed to making the most of the mentorship opportunity.
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Set Goals: At the beginning of each session, work with your mentor to set specific, measurable goals for your career development. This will help guide your conversations and ensure that you are making progress towards your objectives.
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Listen Actively: During your meetings with your mentor, make sure to actively listen to what they have to say. Pay attention to their advice and feedback and ask questions to gain deeper insight into the topic. Take notes and ask clarifying questions as needed. Respect their time and expertise by being fully engaged in the conversation.
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Be Honest: It's important to be honest with your mentor about your strengths, weaknesses, and goals. You might not know which are your strengths, weaknesses and goals, that’s ok. Let them know. This will help them provide you with the most valuable guidance and feedback.
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Be Open-Minded: Be open to feedback, suggestions, and new ideas that your mentor may offer. Be willing to make changes based on your mentor's advice. Remember that their experience and insights can be valuable to your personal and professional growth.
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Follow-Up: After each session, take action on any items or goals that you and your mentor discussed. This may include networking with new contacts, updating your resume, or working on a specific project. Keep your mentor updated on your progress and any challenges you may face along the way.
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Express Gratitude: Finally, make sure to express your appreciation to your mentor for their time and guidance. This can include sending a thank you note or expressing gratitude during your next meeting. Show them that you value their input and are committed to making the most of this mentorship opportunity.
Guidelines for Mentees:
Guidelines for Mentors:
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Build Rapport: Take time at the beginning of each meeting to build rapport with your mentee. Ask about their interests, hobbies, and any updates on their personal or professional life.
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Set an Agenda: Work with your mentee to set an agenda for each meeting. This will help guide your conversations and ensure that you are covering the most important topics.
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Active Listening: Listen actively to your mentee during your meetings. Ask thoughtful questions and provide feedback and guidance based on their needs and goals.
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Be Supportive: Be supportive of your mentee's aspirations and help them set realistic goals. Provide encouragement and support as they work towards achieving their objectives.
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Provide Constructive Feedback: Offer constructive feedback to your mentee based on their strengths and areas for improvement. Be specific and provide actionable suggestions for improvement.
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Share your Experiences: Share your own experiences and insights with your mentee. Be transparent about your own successes and failures, and offer advice on how to navigate challenges based on your own experiences.
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Encourage Growth: Encourage your mentee to seek out new opportunities and take on new challenges. Help them identify areas for growth and offer guidance on how to develop new skills and capabilities.
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Follow-Up: Follow up with your mentee after each meeting to ensure they are making progress towards their goals. Offer additional support and guidance as needed to help them overcome any obstacles or challenges.
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Make Connections: Connect Pineapple Women to another possible mentor for your mentee for the next semester.
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Express Gratitude: Show your mentee that you value their time and dedication by expressing gratitude and appreciation. A simple thank-you note or message can go a long way in building a positive and productive relationship with your mentee.
Given that many participants may be minors, it is critical to adhere to specific guidelines to ensure their safety and wellbeing:
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Appropriate Communication: All communications with minors should be appropriate and respectful. Avoid any language or content that could be misunderstood or deemed inappropriate.
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Use of Official Channels: Do not provide personal contact information directly to minor participants. All communications should go through official channels (e.g., mediated by Pineapple Women staff or through approved platforms).
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Respect Privacy: Be mindful of the privacy and personal boundaries of all participants. This includes not requesting or sharing personal information beyond what is necessary and approved within the scope of the program.
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Reporting Concerns: If you observe or suspect any harmful behavior or conditions affecting minors, it is your responsibility to report these concerns immediately to Pineapple Women’s designated safeguarding officer or through the appropriate channels provided in the Code of Conduct.